Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a natural skin rejuvenating product used in a variety of skin care products. It is one of the few ingredients that has been scientifically tested and proven to play a significant role in collagen production. It helps reduce wrinkles and improve the overall look and health of skin.
Vitamin C is essential in the skin’s natural production of collagen and is a proven antioxidant.
Antioxidants destroy free radicals that damage skin cells, contributing to wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
The problem with vitamin C skin care products is that the addition of vitamin C has largely been unsuccessful in creating a product that actually delivers the vitamin to the skin.
Because vitamin C is easily oxidized, killing its antioxidant properties, it loses its effectiveness in skin collagen production. Some skin care experts believe that vitamin C may cause more harm than good by introducing free radicals to the skin.
That’s open to debate, but vitamin C skin care products that begin to turn yellow, and eventually brown have become oxidized. You are left with a citrus moisturizer with none of the beneficial effects of vitamin C.
Vitamin C skin care products that lay valid claim to reducing wrinkles and improving the look of their skin must include high concentrations of the vitamin. These products are expensive and may hold a hidden cost.
There is no guarantee that the product will work and in order for ascorbic acid, vitamin C, to be absorbed into the skin it has to be in a highly acidic environment, or skin care mixture. Highly concentrated vitamin C skin care treatments may work as an exfoliant. Anyone with sensitive skin should stay away from Vitamin C skin care products.
The best quality vitamin C enhanced products that have been created to-date have been made with derivatives of vitamin C. It would serve you well to look for magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl palmitate as ingredients. These tend to be more stable, making them less likely to oxidize, and may be absorbed more readily by the skin. If ascorbic acid is actually absorbed by your skin it will boost collagen production.
Products containing vitamin C derivatives have proven at least as effective as skin care products containing vitamin E.
It is possible, although less likely, for skin care products containing ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl palmitate to oxidize, rendering them ineffective as collagen boosters. When using products that contain vitamin C derivatives follow storage directions and pay attention to expiration dates. Otherwise, an expensive Vitamin C skin treatment may become no more than an overpriced, average skin moisturizer.
The beauty industry continues to research and develop new ways to ensure Vitamin C is absorbed by the skin. Products like Cellex C®, Jason® Super C™, and Obagi® Professional C-Serums claim to have discovered new ways to deliver collagen producing Vitamin C, or its derivatives, beneath the skin’s surface. These products are expensive, but if you really want to try the effects of vitamin c this is where I would spend the money.
You can enhance your skins collagen production by ensuring your diet includes adequate amounts of vitamin C. Rather than adding vitamin C supplements, eat foods fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. This should be part of a healthy diet, which include plenty of water. This healthy combination will improve the look and feel of your skin.
In the meantime, don’t be fooled by inexpensive skin care treatments enhanced with vitamin C. The best they have to offer is a refreshing, citrus scent.
If you try a vitamin C skin treatment, choose wisely and carefully. Read consumer reviews before you purchase expensive Vitamin C skin care products.
Sources:
“Vitamin C and Skin Care,” Thedermblog.com
“Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid),” Webmd
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin: Topical Vitamin C Protects, Promotes, Repairs Skin,” Skin Care-MD
